Federation Cup: Singida Black Stars will not boycott Yanga semifinal- Massanza

Massanza - Photo Credit - Singida Black Stars.

With Young Africans (Yanga SC) Yanga making it clear they will not play in the final of the CRBD Federation Cup, their opponents Singida Black Stars have vowed to train and get ready for the final scheduled for the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on June 28.

Yanga recently issued a boycott of not honouring their remaining three Mainland Premier League fixtures, including the Kariakoo derby against rivals Simba SC, and the Federation Cup final. For the domestic Cup, Yanga said they will not face Singida until last season’s Federation Cup prize money is paid.

Singida have refused to be affected by Yanga’s threats with the club spokesperson Hussein Massanza confirming they are already proceeding with preparations for the final, which they want to use to make history by winning their first-ever major trophy.

“We can't speak for Young Africans - their issues are with the Federation, not us or the other teams in the league,” Massanza said, as quoted by the Guardian. “We’re continuing with our preparations for our two remaining Mainland Premier League fixtures, as well as the final against Young Africans.”

“We want to make history. Our club has already qualified for the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary rounds next season, and now we want to win a trophy.

“We can’t boycott the final. What if we don’t show up and Yanga does? That would be a serious issue for us. We’ll be on the field, ready to play on the scheduled date, and we hope the match goes ahead.”

If the final is played, this will be the third meeting between Singida Black Stars and Yanga this season. The Citizens won both league encounters - 1-0 and 2-1 - with the first of those fixtures also held at the New Amaan Complex.